Residents of Adam’s Cove and Western Bay were forced to evacuate last night as crews continue to battle a wildfire that has already claimed several properties.
A state of emergency was declared last evening with officials ordering residents out around 10:00 last night after the blaze broke out yesterday afternoon.
Persalvic Elementary in Victoria, the AYLA Building in Lower Island Cove as well as the Salem Community Centre in Small Point have been opened up for those who have been forced out of their home.
Paul Adams, a town councilor in Small Point, says it’s unclear at this point how many people actually left their home.
He believes that the fire will be brought under control today.
As of this morning, North Shore Highway (Route 70) from Adam’s Cove to Western Bay remains closed. RCMP are asking the public to stay away.
Two water bombers and firefighting crews from as far as Harbour Grace were deployed yesterday to tackle what was described by area residents as a “raging” blaze.
Officials are unsure how many homes are impacted, but say it is “multiple” homes. Some social media reports suggest the boardwalk in Western Bay has also been destroyed.
It was one of a number of wildfires on the island yesterday as crews were kept busy tending to several blazes on the Avalon and one in Badger.
Due to a relatively dry winter, officials declared an earlier start to forest fire season in the province, which officially began on the island on April 24. The season begins on May 15 in Labrador.
The fire hazard index is high for several areas of the island.
Special Air Quality Statement Issued for Northern Avalon
Haze in west end St. John’s on Wednesday evening. (VOCM News)
The smoke from several wildfires carried well into the metro area last evening, prompting a special air quality statement.
Skies were hazy and the smell of smoke was in the air, compromising air quality and posing a potential hazard to those with health issues or sensitivities to smoke.
Environment Canada meteorologist Spencer Clements says southwest winds should keep any smoke offshore for most of today.
The smoke should blow away from land, but the advisory will remain in effect for the northern Avalon as air quality will still be reduced.
